YANKEES:Alex Rodriguez tested positive for a banned stimulant in 2006, The New York Times reported Monday, an accusation denied by a representative of the legal team for the third baseman.

The newspaper cited two unidentified people involved with baseball’s drug-testing program.

Baseball’s joint drug agreement specifies the discipline for a first positive test for a banned stimulant is six additional unannounced drug tests over the year following the violation. A second stimulant violation would result in a 25-game suspension.

Rodriguez’s legal team accused MLB of leaking the allegation of a positive test, using a statement and making a filing to arbitrator Fredric Horowitz.

Lanny Davis, a former Clinton administration official working for Rodriguez’s legal team, denied the player tested positive, the Times said. James McCarroll, a lawyer for the three-time AL MVP, did not address whether Rodriguez had a positive test, only that he was not banned.

“Alex Rodriguez was never suspended for use of stimulants or any violation of the MLB drug program,” McCarroll said in a statement. “The fact that MLB has resorted to leaking federally protected medical information about a player speaks volumes of the weakness of their case against Alex – and their desperation to secure a win in the arbitration, at all costs.”

RED SOX: World Series MVP David Ortiz and Shane Victorino had their beards shaved for charity Monday to benefit victims of the Boston Marathon bombings in April.

The “shave offs” occurred at Gillette’s world headquarters. The Boston company donated $100,000 to the One Fund, which is assisting victims and their families of the bombings on April 15. Three people were killed and over 260 injured near the finish line that day.

ATHLETICS: Owner Lew Wolffinsists his team is staying put. For now, anyway.

Wolff said Monday through the team that the A’s will extend their lease at the Oakland Coliseum and “look forward to another great season.” The team’s managing partner responded to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle saying Major League Baseball might get involved to help the A’s play across the bay in the San Francisco Giants’ AT&T Park if no short-term lease was reached to continue their home games in the rundown Coliseum.

CARDINALS: Made a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer to free agent Carlos Beltran, but don’t expect him to return next season.

RANGERS: Made a $14.1 million qualifying contract offer for next season to Nelson Cruz, the All-Star slugger who served a 50-game suspension this year.

REDS: Made a $14.1 million qualifying offer to leadoff hitter Shin-Soo Choo, but declined offers to right-hander Bronson Arroyo and four others.